During the regular briefing on Thursday, the State Department Principal Spokesperson addressed Russian allegations from Russia regarding US meddling in India’s upcoming general elections and the handling of a purported Indian assassination plot against a US citizen, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun., allegedly involving Indian nationals.
The allegations originated from a recent statement byEarlier, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson had , where she accused the United States of attempting to “complicate” India’s election process and interfere in its internal affairs. She also pointed claimed out that the US had not yet provided “reliable evidence” to support claims allegations of Indian citizens’ involvement in an alleged plot to murder pro-Khalistan activist Pannun on American soil. These Russian statements followed earlier reports reports suggesting a comparisonng of the plot to tactics associated with repressive regimes.
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When the State Department correspondent for South Asia Perspectives (SAP) asked about these allegations, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller firmly denied any US involvement in the Indian elections. ‘With respect to the first, no, of course we don’t involve ourselves in elections in India, just as we don’t involve ourselves in elections anywhere in the world. Those are decisions for the people of India to make,’ he said.”
Regarding the assassination plot against Pannun, Miller pointed to an existing public indictment but noted that its details are part of an ongoing legal process, which restricts public comment. “There is a publicly-returned indictment that contains alleged facts. They’re allegations until they’re proven before a jury that anyone can go and read,” Miller explained, adding, “I won’t speak to them here because, of course, it’s an ongoing legal matter.”
Russia’s criticisms also extended to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which for the firth time had recommended classifying India as a ‘country of particular concern’ in its annual report for the fifth time. Zakharova accused the US of harboring a “neo-colonial mentality,” suggesting that the report made “unfounded accusations” against the Indian government and reflected Washington’s lack of respect for India’s sovereignty and historical context.
The US State Department’s response underscores the ongoing complexities in US-Russia relations and the sensitive nature of US-India diplomacy. As legal proceedings related to the Pannun case continue, observers remain attentive to how these allegations will affect diplomatic relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
About Author: Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey is the Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives (SAP).